- sleep study
- polysomnography
- patient guide
What to expect on the night of your sleep study
A practical, friendly walk-through of an overnight sleep study at our clinic — from check-in to check-out — so you arrive prepared and relaxed.
The idea of being wired up overnight for a sleep study can feel a little daunting at first. The good news: most patients say it was much easier than they expected, and many even sleep better than they do at home. Here is what your night with us actually looks like.
Before you arrive
A few simple things help your study go smoothly:
- Eat normally during the day — there is no fasting requirement.
- Avoid caffeine after midday and skip any alcohol on the day of the study.
- Shower in the evening so the sensors stick well, and avoid heavy hair products.
- Pack a small overnight bag: nightclothes you would normally wear at home, toiletries, your usual chronic medication, a book or device, and your medical aid card.
Arrival and setup
You will arrive in the early evening and our technologist will show you to your private room — it looks like a comfortable hotel room, not a hospital ward. We chat through your medical history, answer any questions you have, and explain everything before we touch any equipment.
The setup itself takes about 30–45 minutes. Small sensors are gently placed on your scalp, face, chest, and legs to record:
- Brain activity (EEG) — to identify the stages of sleep
- Breathing and oxygen levels — to detect any pauses or drops
- Heart rate (ECG) — to monitor heart rhythm
- Body movement — including arm and leg movements
None of it is painful or uncomfortable. The sensors use mild medical-grade adhesive and a small sticky paste that washes out in the morning.
During the night
You read, watch something on your phone, and go to sleep when you normally would. Our technologist monitors everything from a separate room and is available if you need to get up during the night — going to the bathroom is no problem. You are not expected to lie perfectly still.
Most people sleep more than they think they will. Even a partial night gives us valuable data.
In the morning
The technologist removes the sensors (this takes about 10 minutes), you have a chance to freshen up, and then you head home or back to work. There are no after-effects.
And then?
The recordings are scored and reviewed by our specialists, and a full report is usually ready within one to two weeks. We discuss the findings with you in plain language and walk you through the recommended treatment plan.
If you have any questions before your appointment, give us a call — we are always happy to talk you through it.